The North Vancouver Regional Ecumenical Support Team (REST) is a partnership of 10 churches and individuals who have come together to support the sponsorship of refugees. The group operates in close cooperation with the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster.

Monday, February 8, 2016

February 8 Update

A big thank you to our team of drivers, interpreters, visitors, and helpers! We have had another successful week of gradually getting things organized and looked after for Honada and her family. All of the kids are comfortably in school and the people from The Blueridge Community Association has been wonderful at helping out and making our family feel very welcome and included. The kids are all making friends already! Said began English classes last Friday and he and Honada will be starting this week. The house is very well outfitted with everything they need to keep them comfortable and happy, including some very appreciated bikes!

Fundraising Update: We have raised just under $37,000 so far! We are well on our way to our goal of $75,000. A huge thank you to all of those people who have organized and executed fundraisers, and asked family, friends and neighbors for donations and pledges. Once we have all of the transfers of funds already raised within our group, we will be over the half way mark. Excellent!

There are two great fundraisers planned for this month, both on February 20. St. John's Anglican is having a Pizza and Tellie night fundraiser. See their website for more information: http://www.stjohnnv.ca/

There is also the Home to REST concert, with the North Shore Celtic Ensemble. This will be at Gloria Dei Lutheran church, which has wonderful acoustics. News flash: Honada and family have said that they would like to attend as special invited guests.

If you would like tickets to sell, please send me a note, or you can send people to the North Shore Celtic Ensemble website where they can purchase online: www.nsce.ca

Refugee Fundraising Cookbook: If any of you has a recipe to submit to the cookbook, please contact Cynthia Bunbury: cbunbury@sd44.ca I understand the link provided on the blog does not work, but you can follow the guidelines and send the recipe to her by email. Thank you so much for your submissions!

February 27 is a benefit concert at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church with Tak Maeda and family. This should be lots of fun and all are welcome.